Ironing machine cabinet



4 Sheets-Sheet l J. A. CASTRICONE IRONING MACHINE CABINET Filed March 24, 1959 @ezfiv l/fin Q. Cay/2260726 Nov. 11, 1941.

Nov. 11, 1941. R NE 2,262,222

IRONING MACHINE CABINET Filed March 24, 1939 4 Sheefs-Sheet 2 (1 ave/25%?" Nov. 11, 1941. A CA TRICONE 2,262,222

IRC JNING MACHINE CABINET Filed March 24, 1939 4 Sheets-Sheet s 6Z zm N J. A. cAsTRacouE IRONING MACHINE CABINET 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 24, 1939 Zrzbone Patented Nov. 11 1941 IRONING MACHINE CABINET John A. Castricone, Peoria, 111., assignor to Altorfer Bros. Company,

tion of Illinois Peoria, 111., a corpora- Arnlication March 24, 1939, Serial No. 263,856

Claims.

This invention relates to ironing machines and more particularly to an improved ironing machine cabinet. Due to the increasingly competitive nature of the market, manufacturers of domestic ironing machines have been called upon to develop cabinets for housing such machines of a design as to lend themselves to economical methods of manufacture and production methods of assembly.

In the prior art it has been customary to mount the ironer roll and shoe on some form of table and to provide a removable cover for the roll, and it has also been common practice to provide table extensions which may be dropped at the sides of the table in order to conserve space when the machine is not in use, or which may be raised to a horizontal operating position to assist in supporting the work when the machine is in operation.

In all of the machines heretofore in use, however, the arrangement of parts has been to a certain degree impractical in that even when the machine cabinet is in its closed or inoperative position, certain parts of the table surfaces, which may from time to time contact the garments being ironed are exposed in such a manner that they may accumulate dirt. Inasmuch as in the ordinary household an ironing machine is used only periodically and is allowed to remain without attention in a laundry room for a long period of time, it will be readily appreciated that the g ble, 2. machine cover; and table extension mem-' bars for the work table, the arrangement being such that the work table extensions may be pivoted upwardly to form end panels for the ma chine cover.

Another object is to provide an ironing machine table in which table extension panels are mounted on hinges and wherein the hinge mechanisms are recessed below the plane of the work contacting surfaces.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine cabinet having hinged work table extensions so mounted as to be co-extensive with the surface of the work table when positioned at the extreme lower limit' of their movement.

A further objecths to provide an ironing machine cover comprising a three-sided roll enclosure adapted to cooperate with hinged table extensions movable upwardly to close the open ends of the roll enclosure.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine cabinet mounted on casters or other mechanisms whereby it is readily movable along the floor when in closed position, but is anchored or restrained against such movement when in open position.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironer cabinet including a machine cover and having mechanisms responsive to the manual manipulation of this cover for lockin the machine cabinet in fixed position on a floor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ironing machine and cabinet "wherein the movement of the several parts from an inoperative position to an operative position changes the position of the center of gravity of the structure, and wherein means are provided to alter the size or position of the effective supporting base of the cabinet to compensate for such change.

Another object is to provide an ironing machine cabinet which is attractive and symmetrical in appearance and economical in manufacture.

In practicing the principles of this invention, any desirable means may be used for supporting the main ironing machine table which constitutes the principal portion of the work contacting surface. This table is preferably, although not necessarily rectangular in shape, of a length only slightly greater than the overall length of the ironing machine roll mounted thereon, and is mounted on casters at each corner to facilitate free movement from place to place on the floor.

In order to cover the roll and table and thus protect these parts during the idle periods of the machine, a roll enclosure or hood is constructed which includes a top panel and front and rear panels, but which need not be provided with end panels for reasons that will hereinafter appear. It should be pointed out that certain very important manufacturing economies can be accomplished by the use of this three-sided roll enclo' sure, since it lends itself readily to manufacture by sheet metal stamping without the necessity I for any deep drawing or similarly expensive op- .erations.

Table extensions are 'provided at each end of the ironing table and are mounted on hinges in such a manner. that when positioned at their extreme lower limit of movement they will provide working surfaces contiguous with the surface of the main ironing table and when moved upward- 1y they will assume a vertical position at each end of the three-sided machine enclosure, thus closing the open ends of this enclosure and at the same time forming an attractive and symmetrical external appearance of the machine. In the present design these table extensions may be of a width equal to that of the table, since they are so designed as to blend symmetrically with the machine design in either open or closed position, and thus require no recesses in which they may 'be concealed when not in use, as has been cus- ,tion of the device;

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view taken on the plane of the line 4-4 in Fig. 2 and illustrating the hinge means whereby the table extension members are mounted upon the main ironing table;

Fig. 5 is a fragmental rear elevation illustrating one of the roll enclosure hinges;

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view taken upon the line 66 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a 'fragmental end elevational view of the machine (partly in section) illustrating the operative connection between the cover hinges and an auxiliary support and brake mechanism;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. '1, but illustrating the several parts in their operative positions;

and

Fig, 9 is a rear elevational view of the cover hinge and auxiliary support.

The main ironing table 16 is preferably formed of a thickness of sheet metal which may, if'desired, have its end portions I l folded downwardly about each of the upright members I3 and I4. The uprights l3 and I4 are also preferably formed of sheet metal construction and in the preferred embodiment of the invention here illustrated are of sufflcient dimensions that the upright member I3 may house the ironing machine motor, gear box and other driving mechanism '(not shown) by which the inner roll I5 is driven.

As will be seen from examination of 3, the ironer roll I5 is 'rotatably mountedon any suitable roll bracket I6 and is adapted to cooperate with an electrically heated'ironing shoe l1, the operation of which is also mechanically controlled in a manner well understood in the art. For this purpose a knee control lever I8 is mounted in the upright I4 and a treadle l9 extends between the uprights l3 and M in a position convenient for foot operation. The mechanical details of the ironer mechanism do not, however, form any part of the present invention and will, therefore, not be described in greater detail.

The preferred form of machine cover comprises a sheet metal front panel 2| and a similar sheet metal rear panel 22, which are preferably pressed into the desired shape and united by spot welding their upper end portions to the pair of connecting strips 23 and 24. Each of the panels 2| and 22 and each of the end strips 23 and 24 comprises a work contacting surface 53, which 18 v acts as a unitary construction and forms a three sided roll enclosure, resembling an inverted U in shape, Longitudinally extending ribs 21 may be formed in the connecting strips 23 and 24 in order to add rigidity to the structure without the necessity of utilizing heavier gauge metal.

The roll enclosure is mounted on the ironing table In by means of a pair of bracket hinges 3|, which are secured to the ironing table I6 in spaced relationship along its rear edge. Each of these bracket hinges 3| comprises a stationary member 32, which is welded to the table I!) and which includes a pair of flanges 33 through which rivets 34 are mounted to provide a pivotal support for the flanges 35 of an upper or movable hinge member 36. This upper hinge member 36 is secured to the rear panel 22 by welding in order that the entire three-sided roll enclosure may be swung upwardly from its closed position, illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, to its open position illustrated in Fig. 3.

The movement of the roll enclosure about the hinge is limited by brace 31 mounted on the rivet 38 extending between the flanges 35 on the upper hinge member 36. This brace 31 extends downwardly through the orifice 39 punched in an outwardly extending lower end portion 4| of the bracket 32 and through an orifice 42 formed in the rear wall 43 of each of the uprights l3 and I4. A cross pin 45 is set in the brace 31 to act asa limiting stop for the hinge. It will be seen that while the cross pin 45 is of such length that it may be accommodated between the flanges 33 of the bracket 32, it is too long to pass through the orifice 39 and thus when it is brought into abutment with the portion 4| of the bracket 32, the members 32, 36 and 31 will form a right angle triangle and rigidly support the machine enclosure in the position shown in Fig. 3. v

The work table extensions 5| and 52, each preferably of sheet metal and each is mounted in an outer panel 54, which is curved inwardly about its marginal edges and which includes a marginal flange 55 welded to the work contacting surface 53. Each of these table extensions is mounted on the table ID by means of a pair of hinges 56 and 51. To form these hinges 56 and 51, recesses 6| are punched in spaced-apart position along the edges of the table l6 and each of theserecesses extends through an inner reinforcing thickness of metal 62 forming a part of one of the uprights l3 or 14. A pair of flanges 63' are struck inwardly from the down-turned end portion H of the table In and are spaced apart a suitable distance so that a stamped hinge member 64 of substantially U-shaped cross section may be mounted between them on the hinge pin 65. The outwardly extending-end of the hinge 64 projects through an orifice 66 in the plate 54 and passes under a sheet metal strap 61 a spot welded to the plate 54. To facilitate manufacture and assembly, these parts are so fitted together that the hinge 64 may slide longitudinally between the strap 61 and the plate 54' in such a manner that the main portion of the machine, comprising the table I!) and the supporting members l3 and I4, may be assembled and painted as a unit and that the table extensions 5| and 52 may thereafter be assembled by telescoping the hinges 64 into the proper orifices 66. An angle member 68 is secured to the plate 53,by means of a clip '69 and is pierced at 1| to provide a spring portion 12 under which the plate extension 13 of the hinge 64 may be forced at the time of assembly. The tension exerted by the spring portion 12 is sufiicient to clamp the flat end portion 13 of the hinge 54 against the outer plate 54 of the table extension and prevent any possibility of accidental disengagement of these parts. Limited stops are provided at the inner end of the hinge 54 by allowing the side flanges 14 to extend inwardly a sufllcient distance so that they may contact the limiting rail 15 secured to the under surface of the table I8 and thus establish the extreme downward limit of movement of the table extensions 5| and 52.

A coiled wire toggle spring 16 is so formed-that its end portions 11 and 18 assume positions along the lines parallel with the axis of the coil The end portion 11 is passed through punched openings 19 in each of the upturned flanges of the hinge 84 and the end tion 18 is similarly mounted in punched openings 8| in each of a pair of spaced apart bracket members 82. This construction provides a cross center toggle spring mechanism effective to urge the table extension end of the three-sided ironer cover, .as indicatedby the dotted line position shown in Fig. 4.

, The entire machine body is mounted on casters 8| to permit the operator to move the machine easily when not in use.

Means are provided, however, to restrain the cabinet against such movement while the machine is being operated, since it is desirable at this time that the machine remain slidably fixed in position on the floor and not subject to accidental movement. To this end a pair of vertical slide rods 82 are mounted in brackets 83 affixed to the rear surface of each of the uprights l3 and I4 and are provided with rubber feet 84 which will bear against the floor and lock the cabinet against movement. The feet 84 are lifted from the floor when the machine cover is closed, due to the action of the coiled compression springs 85 that are telescoped on the vertical slide rods 82 in such a manner as to rest upon the upper surface of the brackets 83 and bear upwardly against the washers 88 affixed to the extreme upper end of the slide rods 82.

' In order to move the feet 84 downwardly into engagement with the floor automatically whenever the machine cover is opened, a link 81 is pivotally mounted on a rivet 88 on the brace 31 of each of the bracket hinges 8|, and these links 81 extend downwardly to operate the slide rods 82. The operative connection between the links 81 and the slide rods 82 is completed by a pair of pressure plungers 89 pinned to the lower ends of the links 81 and slidable in the brackets 9|, one of which is welded to the rear surface of one of the uprights I3 and I4 directly above each of the slide rods, These brackets 9| extend downwardly a sufl'icient distance to engage and act as guides for the upper ends of the slide rods 82. and act as housings for the coiled compression springs 92 positioned between the flattened heads 93 of the plungers 89 and the washers 88 affixed to the top of the slide rods 82.

When the machine cover is lifted from the ironer, the bracket hinges 3| pivot from the position shown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 8. The braces 31 move downwardly, and through the action of the links 81, cause the plungers 89 to press downwardly on the springs 92 and slide rods 82. The springs 92 overcome the relatively light springs 85 and force the slide rods 82 downwardly until the rubber feet 84 contact the floor.

The arrangement is such that on a level floor the further movement of the bracket hinges 3| to the extreme position established by the limiting stop cross pin will compress the springs 92 and hold the feet 84 firmly against the floor under the pressure of these springs.

The pressure of these feet 84 on the floor provides suflicient friction to prevent the machine from being readily moved, notwithstanding the fact that a considerable portion of its weight is still carried by the casters 8|, and this result will be accomplished even though the floor upon which the machine stands is not perfectly smooth, since the compressed springs 92 act as compensators and permit the feet 84 to adjust themselves to any ordinary variations in the contour of the floor.

When the machine cover is opened, as shown the four casters 8| is sufliciently broad to maintain the cabinet in stable equilibrium, the center of gravity of the structure has been changed and it is, therefore, desirable to alter the base of support, as is accomplished by bringing the two feet 84 into contact with the floor so that they too may act as points of support.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that when the machineis in closed position each of the work contacting surfaces, namely, the upper surface of the table II! and the work contacting surfaces 53 of the table extensions 5| and 52, will be completely enclosed in such a manner as to preclude any accumulation of dirt or dust, The importance of this feature can hardly be over-estimated since when not in use machines of this nature are left uncared for in basements, laundry rooms and other places where they are subject to exposure to unusual quantities of dust and dirt that would otherwise accumulate upon the work contacting surfaces and prevent the machine from being of any service until it had been thoroughly cleaned. In the present construction when the machine is moved into its operative position, each of the surfaces that has been exposed to dust during the idle period of the machine, is moved into such position that the garments being ironed will not contact them and consequently cannot become soiled during the ironing process.

While I have shown and described the present preferred embodiment of this invention in compliance with the patent statutes, it is subject to numerous changes and modifications without ironer cabinet for limiting the downward movement of said table extension panels about the hinges, means for moving said hinged table end extension panels upwardly about the hinges in.

such a manner as to form end panels of the said three-sided ironer enclosure and close. the open end portions thereof, and spring means within the walls of the ironer cabinet for alternately resiliently urging said table members into either of aforesaid positions.

2. An ironing machine cabinet comprising a table upon which an ironer roll and shoe are operatively mounted, a three-sided ironer machine cover hingedly mounted on the ironer table and including open end portions adjacent each end of the ironer roll, table end extension panels hingedly secured to the ironer table at each end thereof, means housed within'tlie walls of the ironer cabinet for limiting the downward movement of said table extension panels about the hinges, and hinge means for moving said hinged table end extension panels upwardly about the hinges in such a manner as to form end panels of the said three-sided ironer enclosure and close the open end portions thereof.

3. In combinati n with a domestic machine. a machine cabinet, friction reduction mechanisms for said cabinet whereby it may be readily moved on a supporting fioor, a machine cover comprising a plurality of panels adapted to move between an inoperative position wherein the several panels cooperate to enclose the machine, and an operating position wherein the machine is exposed, cabinet anchoring means comprising a plurality of friction members capable of being resiliently held in engagement with the floor and effective to move between an inoperative position and an operating position, cabinet anchoring means ef-v tion wherein the several panels cooperate to en-,

close the machine, and an operating position wherein the machine is exposed, and efiective to alter the. center of gravity of the structure by this movement; auxiliary supporting means comprising a plurality of' movable floor contacting members movable between anoperating :and an inoperative position, and means responsive to the movement of the machine cover for causing said auxiliary supporting means to operate to alter the effective base of support of the machine.

6. In'combination with a domestic machine,

amachine cabinet, supporting means establish ing a base of support of substantially constant area, a machine cover adapted to move between an inoperative position and an operating position, and effective to alter the center of gravity of the structure by this movement; auxiliary supporting means -spaced apart from the first mentioned supporting means and movable between an operating and an inoperative position, and means for causing said auxiliary supporting means to operate to increase the effective base of support of the machine.

7. In combination with a domestic machine, a machine table, fixed supporting means establishing a base of support of substantially con- 'stant area, friction reduction devices on said supporting means whereby the table may be readily moved on a supporting floor, auxiliary supporting means positioned outside of the base of support defined by the fixed supporting means, friction members on said auxiliary supporting means,

means to move the auxiliary supporting means to bring said friction members downwardly to anchor the table against movement and to increase the effective base of support, and yieldable spring devices associated with said auxiliary support to permit firm engagement on floor surfaces of irregular contour.

8. In combination with a domestic machine, a machine table, fixed supporting means establishing a base of support of substantially constant area, friction reduction devices on said supporting means whereby the table may be readily moved on a supporting floor, auxiliary supporting means positioned outside of the base of support defined by the fixed supporting means, friction members on said auxiliary supporting means, and means to move the auxiliary supporting means to bring said friction members downwardly to anchor the table against movement and to increase the effective base of support. V

9. In combination with a domestic machine, a

machine table, fixed supporting means establishtable upon which an ironing roll and shoe are co-operatively mounted, an ironing machine (ll/81' mounted on the ironer table consisting of a back panel, a top panel, a front panel and relatively narrow edge strips at each erd of said panels whereby said rear, top, and front panels are rigidly united to form a hood including open end portions adjacent each end of the ironer roll, shiftable extension panels secured to each end of the ironer table by hinges, said panels being smaller than the cross-sectional dimensions of the hood and larger than the open end portions. said hinges being constructed and arranged to permit the extension panels to swing between a horizontal position contiguous with the table top and a vertical position wherein the extension panels will lie closely adjacent the edge strips of the rear, top and front panels .to close the open ends of the machine cover.

' JOHN A.

cAs-rnrconn. 

